A Chinese-flagged vessel has been blamed for the destruction of nearly 500 square meters of coral reef east of Pag-asa Cay 1, following the deployment of a parachute anchor that marine experts say crushed decades’ worth of reef growth and disrupted local ecosystems critical to food security in Kalayaan.
The incident occurred in early June, when fishermen from Pag-asa Island reported the presence of a suspicious Chinese vessel bearing the bow number 16868. Their vigilance led to a joint on-site investigation conducted by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), Western Philippines University (WPU), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS).
According to PCSD, the damage occurred at a depth of nine meters, covering 464 square meters of coral reef, including 307 square meters completely crushed by the anchor. Marine biologists concluded that the damage pattern pointed not to grounding, but to a slow, heavy dragging force, consistent with parachute anchor deployment.
“There were no hull scrapes or trenching typically seen in a grounding event,” said Mark Ace Dela Cruz of PCSD’s Habitat Management Section. “But there were extensive fragments and crushed corals, both soft and hard, spread in a circular drag pattern.”
A Wake-Up Call for Local Communities Kalayaan Vice Mayor Maurice Phillip Albayda emphasized that it was Pag-asa’s fisherfolk who first reported the incident, a strong sign of growing local awareness and commitment to national sovereignty.
“This became a litmus test for the level of awareness of our fisherfolk. Sila ang unang nag-report. At sa kanila rin natin unang narinig ang tungkol sa ‘parachute-like thingy’ na iniwan ng barko,” Albayda said.
“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa isang insidente. May presumption ang mga maritime governance observers na kaya hinaharass ng China ang ating research vessels ay para hindi natin makita ang lawak ng paninira nila sa kalikasan sa West Philippine Sea.”
Long-Term Impact on Fisheries and Marine Health Dr. Benjamin Gonzales, lead marine biologist for the site assessment, said the loss goes beyond economics. “No coral means no fish. And without fish, what does this mean for the food security of our people here in Kalayaan?” he asked.
Coral reefs are known to take 40 to 50 years to reach the size and biodiversity now lost. PCSD estimated the economic value of the destruction at P11.1 million, but the environmental damage may take generations to recover from, if at all.
The parachute anchor remains stuck on the seabed and may still cause additional harm if moved by typhoons or strong currents. Made of synthetic polymers, the anchor is also reportedly releasing microplastics into the water.
A Pattern of Environmental Offenses Vice Chair Ferdinand Zaballa of the PCSD noted that this is not an isolated case. “We’ve seen too many of these so-called fishing vessels with paramilitary functions, disguising their activities. This is deliberate sabotage, not maritime accident.”
Major General Cornelio Valencia Jr. of the National Security Council confirmed that Chinese Maritime Militia and Coast Guard vessels have heightened their activities near Pag-asa in recent months.
Accountability Still in Limbo Despite a recommendation from PCSD to impose a P11.1 million fine, no formal diplomatic protest has been filed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), nor has the Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated any legal process.
“China’s mindset shows they only care about present gains,” Albayda said. “But as a maritime nation, we must rise to defend not only our rights, but the future of our natural heritage.”
